prefer to extend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prefer to extend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or inclination to prolong or increase something, such as a deadline or an offer. Example: "I would prefer to extend the deadline for the project to ensure everyone has enough time to complete their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

European Union officials are frustrated by the Greeks' shambolic approach and would prefer to extend the current bail-out, which expires at the end of February.

The Economist

If the economy needs more stimulus, the Fed would prefer to extend its policy of holding short-term interest rates near zero.

The New York Times

Dworman said SMG would prefer to extend the Islanders' lease (on the Coliseum and a new arena) and take less money than in the current deal.

The New York Times - Sports

Look too keen on governing with Labour and you alienate one group; sound like you'd prefer to extend your partnership with the Tories and you repel the other.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bernanke described this as "a change in the mix of tools" in testimony before the House Financial Services Committee earlier this month, suggesting that the Fed would prefer to extend its policy of holding short-term interest rates near zero rather than once again expanding its bond portfolio.

The New York Times

The episode ended up with G.M. cast as the villain in a documentary, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" Mr. Young, who ended his tour last summer by pouring Champagne over his Mini's hood, said he would prefer to extend his lease.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The decision represented a rare congressional defeat for US security agencies and a pitched retreat by McConnell and his Senate Republican colleagues, who had preferred to extend existing surveillance law.

The Guardian

Stapleton, the laid-back outlier from California, prefers to extend his authority to five managers around the world.

Forbes

Importantly, our results also indicate that DinB is less efficient at inserting a base opposite the 3'-dT of the dimer, and instead prefers to extend from the 3'-OH of dA paired with the 3'-dT of the dimer (Fig. 6).

Plosone

When cultured on pristine, free-standing fibers with a relatively low fiber density, the neurites preferred to extend along the fiber alignment.

ACS Nano

I prefer to also extend my index (pointer) and pinky fingers straight out (not 'splayed') to provide a better 0° and 10° gauging point.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prefer to extend", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being extended. For instance, "I would prefer to extend the deadline" is clearer than simply "I would prefer to extend."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the duration or degree of the extension. Saying "prefer to extend indefinitely" is more informative than just "prefer to extend".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prefer to extend" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a preference or inclination toward prolonging something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prefer to extend" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a preference for prolonging or lengthening something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used in contexts like news and media and science, and less so in formal business settings. To ensure clarity, specify what exactly you "prefer to extend" and by how much. While alternatives such as "would rather prolong" and "would favour lengthening" exist, "prefer to extend" maintains a neutral register suitable for a wide range of communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would prefer to continue

Focuses on maintaining the current state rather than expanding.

would rather continue

Emphasizes a stronger preference for continuation.

would rather prolong

Emphasizes the act of lengthening something with a sense of choice.

would favour lengthening

Implies a preference towards making something longer.

would favour continuation

Highlights a positive attitude towards the act of continuing.

would lean towards continuing

Suggests an inclination to keep something going.

would opt to prolong

Focuses on the choice to extend something.

would choose to continue

Highlights the decision to maintain something.

would desire to lengthen

Expresses a wish to make something longer.

would wish to prolong

Indicates a desire to extend something.

FAQs

How can I use "prefer to extend" in a sentence?

You can use "prefer to extend" to express a choice for prolongation. For instance, "We "prefer to extend" the contract for another year" indicates a favored action.

What are some alternatives to "prefer to extend"?

Alternatives include "would rather prolong", "would favour lengthening", or "would opt to prolong", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "prefer to extend" or "want to extend"?

"Prefer to extend" is generally considered more formal than "want to extend". The former implies a more considered choice, while the latter is more direct and casual.

When should I use "prefer to extend" instead of "prefer to continue"?

Use "prefer to extend" when the intention is to lengthen something, like a deadline or a lease. Use "prefer to continue" when the intention is to maintain the current state or activity without necessarily making it longer.